Barbican edge Reno at Frome

WESTERN BUREAU:

Barbican FC edged Reno 1-0 in their Red Stripe Premier League football game at Frome Sports Complex, to ease relegation worries while handing their host a second straight loss.

In a game of few clear scoring opportunities and on a heavy outfield, it took a 75th minute penalty from Shawn Lawes to add a little spice to an otherwise dismal performance, primarily from Reno, who looked disjointed in defence and lacked their usual energy in midfield.

"It is a win we needed, because although we were losing matches, we have been playing well. So this was a good one for us," said Barbican coach Junior Francis.

Reno had Craig Foster leading the side, as regular skipper Alburn Facey sat out the match.

first-half

The first half ended in a nil-all stalemate as neither team was able to gain an advantage in the final third, with the league's top marksman, Foster, being held in check by the Barbican defence the entire game.

Just after the half-time interval, a chance fell to Reno's wide midfielder, Junior Neil, who was allowed space and time before goal after big, burly, centre forward Romaine Lewis had sent in a teasing cross. However, Neil's effort was wayward.

The game looked destined for a tame draw when Jermaine Parris was sent clear from midfield, with the defenders calling for the offside. He raced into the area, where he was fouled by Reno keeper Chad Bryan.

only goal

Lawes then stepped up to send Bryan the wrong way and score what eventually was the only goal of the contest.

It was only Barbican's second win of the season and moved their tally to 10 points, while Reno were kept on 14 points.

"It is a disappointing loss. I think the players have become a little complacent after the KO win over MBU (Montego Bay United), so we have to straighten that out and rebound," Patrick Graham, the Reno coach said, reflecting on their recent 4-3 victory over Montego Bay United in the national knockout final, the Flow Champions Cup.